Immediately, Changsun Xun also stood up, urging his entourage to present the generous gift he had prepared, and said: "This is a great gift from Master Shangshu to congratulate the prince on his birthday...This one is a birthday gift prepared by Beizhi, who has worked hard for half a year to prepare it, and please invite me
Accept it."
Although Ge Zheng rarely held birthday banquets, the gifts from outside never stopped. In the past, Mo Fei gave gifts as a set of paintings and calligraphy. This year, as expected, it was a set of calligraphy and paintings with nothing special, but Changsun Xun said it was
The gift was a bit exaggerated, and there were a few faint jeers in the room.
It seems that this person is a flatterer to a certain extent!
But when his own gift was revealed, everyone realized that Changsun Xun was just trying to attract others, and the fun was to come!
Changsun Xun's gift is very valuable. It is a scroll of the royal alchemy diagram of the ancient Chen Kingdom, which was drawn by King Chen himself. At first glance, it sounds like it is just precious, but there are rumors in the world and in writing that this scroll contains alchemy diagrams.
The secret, the location and path where the treasure is hidden, can only be discovered by those who are destined. Of course, this is just an exaggeration. Most people just listen to it and don't take it seriously. However, it is absolutely true that the secret is hidden. Someone once stole it.
I inadvertently tore off a corner, only to find that this picture actually had an interlayer, and there was a small picture sandwiched between it. The blueprint had long been yellowed and stained with mildew. Later, this alchemy diagram disappeared out of thin air. Why did no one find it in the hands of Changsun Xun?
You know. As for the mystery inside, it has become a legend.
The old housekeeper opened the scroll and clearly saw a patch mark on the lower left corner of the scroll, which was so thin that there was only an unflattering line.
Everyone was shocked.
Chang Sunxun secretly felt proud that the treasure he had worked so hard to find was finally useful.
Because of his family's business, Changsun Yue had seen countless treasures lying in cabinets, and even heard of treasures that were still covered in dust. This one was no exception. When he saw his true appearance, he was amazed: "This is
This treasure has been missing for more than ten years! I heard from the pawnshop manager that the alchemy diagram first appeared outside the customs and caused a bloody battle. Then it disappeared for no reason. I thought it was burned by some cynical person! Uncle
As expected, you can find people who do great things, I admire you!"
Su Yan looked at the west building and walked over curiously, "You have a lot of treasures there, have you ever seen that one?"
Xilou shrugged, "It's just an ancient painting, how can it enter my Wanchao room?"
"But? I guess you haven't seen it before, then have you ever heard of Chen Guo?"
Xilou looked at her with a strange look: "Do you think I am a three-year-old child? Of course I know the Chen State! Our Yan State was once the deployment country of King Chen. Later, King Chen was mediocre and managed such a large country in a day.
It would be better if one day, the country ends up in ruins. We, the State of Yan, take this opportunity to break away from the State of Chen immediately." He looked at the scroll, and the past about the painting suddenly appeared in his memory. In the palace of the King of Yan, he
When he saw the 'West Tower' for the first time, he said that there was a painting that he wanted to give to him. He said that it had a lot of mystery and could help him keep a place among the powerful people in the Rong Kingdom...I thought, this was it.
He said: "I have indeed seen Master Changsun's alchemy diagram, but..."
Su Yan's eyes suddenly lit up: "Just what?!"
"It's just that my father and the person who sent the picture said that it was just an ordinary thing and they were too cautious to hang it in the palace, so they sent it back later."
"What?!" Su Yan was shocked: "You and your father are too ignorant?"
Xilou let out a long sigh of grievance. If he had been able to recognize the goods at that time and accepted this painting, which in the eyes of King Yan was 'an ordinary one', it would not have fallen into the hands of Changsun Xun this time.
Su Yan noticed that he frowned and quickly changed his words, "Even if your father doesn't know the secret, there is no need to return it. If I am sure that all comers will not be refused, maybe it will be valuable if you leave it alone."
Xilou laughed at her: "You are the only one who has eyes for money. You want anything valuable. Speaking of which, it was quite strange when this thing disappeared. At that time..." His smile froze for a moment, and he looked at Zuo Qing mechanically. As expected, it was true.
, the person on the other end had also expected it, and was as excited as him, and could hardly sit still.
It turns out that what they were looking for was right in front of them!
After Changsun Xun gave the gift, he was followed by Lord Cai Hezong and Lord Mu Shun from the Sixth Department, followed by Changsun Yue, Yan Zhen and other relatives. Su Yan did not prepare a gift. As soon as she came to represent the academy, Zuo Qing took the lead in giving it away.
Of course, there is no need to give more gifts to people, but there are one or two who want to stand out and eagerly join in, but in the end, his gift seems particularly shabby among all kinds of treasures, and instead makes people think of it as a joke. Secondly, Su Yan doesn't even
I didn't want to send him as a gift. Coming here was an invitation from Buddha and I couldn't refuse.
Halfway through the banquet, everyone began to look tired.
Su Yan drank a lot of wine and became tipsy. She felt light-headed and fell into Xilou's arms, falling asleep. In her last impression, she seemed to see Brother Wei Zhen, the brother Wei Zhen from ten years ago.
He is still so good-looking, he is the best-looking boy after Yanzhen.
The princess first noticed that Su Yan and Xilou were drinking heavily, so she told the prince. Ge Zheng couldn't help but frown and became uneasy. At this time, the princess said regretfully: "This girl looks kind-faced, as if... she is Mr. Shu Youtang."
Well, why are you so greedy? If his parents knew about it, they would be very distressed."
Ge Zheng drank a cup of tea and said calmly: "The princess doesn't know, Mr. Shu Youtang has neither father nor mother. He followed Zuo Qing all the way. In this Ruoshui City, she is alone."
"Ah?" The princess felt even more distressed, "It's so pitiful that this child has such a life experience."
The princess suddenly thought of her child, her eyes filled with tears, and her expression was moved, "Yan Zhen, this child, grew up in a military camp. He has not been home for several years. He finally came back, but he always lives in the academy. My lord, please go back and give me some advice."
Now he will listen to you!"
"His wings are strong, can he listen to my words? Princess, don't worry, he is living more comfortably in the academy with all the stars applauding him than in the military camp. However, this Su Yan has no friends in Ruoshui, but he still has to face the difficulties.
It’s really admirable!”
Seeing that he was full of resentment towards Yan Zhen, the princess did not dare to say anything more, so she followed his words and said: "How come Mr. Su has no relatives? Look at the Xilou next to her. Although he is a hostage, this Yan Guo has been a hostage for many years."
The second young master has everything he needs, and his roots in Ruoshui are getting deeper and deeper day by day. Even though he has no strength here, he has actually won a lot of people's hearts. Mr. Su is very lucky to have his blessing."
The lady on the other side, Mo Xin, couldn't help but feel disgusted when she saw this scene: "After all, it's a prince's palace. It would be too presumptuous to do it in public. Could it be that the princess thought the same as the girl, thinking that she would get drunk on such an occasion and then...
No big deal on a man’s shoulders?”
"Oh, that's what you said. Don't you see that these two children have been destined for life? Let's not talk about our country's differences. It is the open-minded folk customs that other countries envy the most. Why has it changed when we come to you?"
"The princess is serious, I was just a joke," she said with a smile, "I don't have a daughter, I'm just worried and angry for that woman."
The princess's slender eyebrows on her temples were raised proudly, and her mouth was still compassionate: "Yes, you have always been compassionate, but I misunderstood you."
Although a woman who has not left the court relies on a man who has not taken a wife to take a concubine, although it is nothing in the country of Rong, which has less feudal customs, and even most people often do this, but such a golden boy and a beautiful couple
Although it exists, it is still more or less left to the attention of those present.
Halfway through the banquet, Xilou couldn't sit still anymore, so he supported Su Yan and asked to leave. Ge Zheng rubbed his temples, feeling a little sleepy, so he left the banquet early.
As soon as the prince left, the birthday banquet was coming to an end. The eldest grandson Pingle smiled compassionately and said to everyone: "The palace has not held a banquet for many years, but your arrival today has made this mansion shine!"
At this time, someone asked: "Is it because something happy is happening this year that the prince is so happy? Is it because the general is getting married?"
The princess smiled and said nothing.
Changsun Yue glared at the man, stood up immediately and said, "Of course not, no one is worthy of my cousin!"
Changsun Wuzheng hurriedly pushed his daughter back to the seat and scolded him. Also looking livid was Mo Xin. She had resentment in her heart at this time. She just wanted to stand up and help his son find some sense of presence, but was stopped by
The person next to him grabbed his wrist, and Ge Yiyan looked at his mother, using almost all his strength on his hand. He didn't let go until she calmed down her anger.
During the dinner, everyone was still making guesses. The princess reassured: "You don't need to guess, I just mentioned it casually. But the future will be there in the blink of an eye." She said this, intentionally or unintentionally.
Glancing at the eldest grandson Wu Zheng.
Changsun Wuzheng understood his sister's intentions and should have helped her to show off, but he understood that showing off like this would only arouse jealousy, which was inappropriate. He simply pretended not to see it and drank and had fun on his own, just like an outsider.
of.
The birthday banquet finally ended, and the princess also left the banquet with the help of her maid. After walking a few steps, she turned back.
"I need to tell you something. I didn't want to say it at first, but I'm worried that if some ignorant maid talks nonsense in front of you and distorts the facts, the consequences will be serious."
Mo Xin felt disgusted and forced herself to smile: "That's what my sister said."
She is elegant and dignified, her appearance is generous, and her words are gentle and very comfortable to listen to: "Sister, don't blame Shan'er, he is also young and ignorant, and he does things too impulsively."
Ge Yiyan's eyes suddenly turned to her, and he suddenly panicked.
Before he had time to organize, the princess had already spoken: "On the day of the hunting, he hurt several people, and the one he hurt was the deputy director of Qishan Academy. His Majesty was furious and dismissed him from his post. He pondered over his fault in front of the wall at home. Ha, after all, is he young?
He was very energetic and acted impulsively."
"Princess!" Ge Yiyan stood up angrily, but the words were stuck in his throat and he could not say them out.
The moonlight was bright, and there was a faint chirping of insects in the distance. The princess's luxurious skirt swayed with a dazzling light and disappeared here.
Mo Xin looked at her son in shock, opened her mouth tremblingly, and felt a buzzing sound piercing through her eardrums. She finally couldn't hold on anymore and collapsed in the maid's arms.
The son who I was so proud of actually openly killed people under the eyes of Emperor Rong for his own benefit! Three generations of the Mo family were loyal, and the elder brother was even more cautious and did not dare to make a wrong step. Unexpectedly, his son learned this in the palace
He hasn't learned the word 'forbearance' for five whole years! With his current talent, how can he assist his brother in the future?!
Mo Xin struggled to support the maid's shoulders and waited for a while before questioning him: "Does your uncle know about the ignorant behavior you committed?!"
"Mom, I was afraid that you would be worried, so..." he said timidly, "Although uncle does not support it, but..."
"You bastard! Don't you know the situation in Ruoshui City? Now Zuo Qing is a popular person in front of your uncle. You are jealous and understand him, but no matter how jealous you are, you shouldn't harm him! No more
Do you know how hard it will be for your uncle to go through Zuo Qing's journey? Without Zuo Qing, would you be able to reach where you are today?"
He gritted his teeth and his eyes were bloodshot: "I know it was Zuo Qing who helped my uncle with advice, and it was also because of him that I was able to rise to prominence. But things are different now. He and I have a bloody feud!"
Mo Xin angrily rebuked: "Private enmity is personal enmity, you can't affect the overall plan! Yan'er, stop targeting Zuo Qing and focus on Ge Mansion. Only when you get everything here can you go further."
Ge Yiyan nodded movedly, feeling a little guilty.
Mo Xin accidentally saw the silk handkerchief left by the princess when she left, and suddenly became angry: "This eldest grandson Pingle is always going against me. I really can't stand it!"
Ge Yiyan advised her distressedly: "Mom, please don't get angry. Go back and rest early."
"She should have exposed her true face in public just now, so that everyone could see clearly what her eldest grandson Pingle is! She is a vixen, a liar, and she is a murderer!"
As she spoke, she became even more angry. Her face, which should have been pink, suddenly turned green and red, and she almost lost her breath. The personal maid hurriedly helped her calm down, and then she calmed down.
Ge Yiyan felt extremely uncomfortable seeing his mother being so angry, but Pingle, the eldest grandson, was the concubine and the eldest daughter of the eldest grandson's family. No one could shake her status, not even her uncle.
"If mother-in-law exposed it in public just now, the princess would be embarrassed, but what about you, mother? Do you know what you will become in the eyes of father?! There are also those pedantic old men who are against uncle, they are watching us all the time, waiting for us
There is no place for death! Will they listen to you? Even if the evidence is solid, will they listen to you?"
Mo Xin was discouraged and sighed in a low voice: "It's all my mother's fault, it's all my mother who hurt you!"
"Mom, don't worry, as long as the traitor Zuo Qing and Yan Zhen are eradicated, this palace and the entire Ruoshui will completely belong to the Mo family! Soon, the Changsun family will also bow to uncle."
"Traitor? Isn't Zuo Qing your uncle's adopted son?"
Speaking of this, Ge Yi couldn't help but feel helpless. He couldn't help but confide to her: "Uncle was stunned by Zuo Qing, how can there be any love between father and son! That was just Zuo Qing's excuse.
I’m just following my uncle’s influence to climb up the ladder. My uncle is a fan of the authorities. I, a bystander, must clean up my house before I can sleep peacefully!"
Mo Xin couldn't help but worry, "Brother cherishes his talents so much, that's why he values Zuo Qing so much. According to my mother, your uncle will not believe your words in a short time. As long as he still values Zuo Qing and needs him, you
My uncle will not question him." She walked up to him and patted his cheek tenderly. In front of her son, she would always be a loving mother: "Son, remember, your uncle is your only and last support.
, you can't give up on him, let alone disobey him. As long as your uncle is still here, you and I can still stand firm here in Ruoshui. Zuo Qing is nothing, he is just a person of unknown origin. Apart from your uncle in Ruoshui
There is nothing. You are your uncle's only descendant. In the future, he will only give everything to you, not Zuo Qing. Remember?!"
Ge Yiyan nodded, and suddenly thought of something: "That Mo Ke..."
Mo Xin smiled disdainfully: "It's just a puppet."
The courtyard of the palace was filled with vegetation, the eaves were covered with green pines and cypresses, and the corridors along the road were covered with vines. A few servants passed by and then disappeared around the corner.
After the banquet, Zuo Qing did not leave, but turned back into the backyard, searched all the way, and met Prince Zheng by a lake.
Ge Zheng noticed someone approaching and just turned his head to look.
Zuo Qing made a long bow and said respectfully: "I am humble Zuo Qing, and I would like to pay my respects to the prince."
"The banquet is over, you came to me," Ge Zheng stared at him with deep eyes, "What's the matter?"
Zuo Qing tightened his cloak, turned sideways, and stood side by side with him. There were several pavilions on the lake, and lanterns were hung, illuminating the surrounding scenery.
He said slowly: "The winter night is cold, and the prince is still not resting. Are you missing someone by the lake?" After that, he turned his eyes slightly and stared at Ge Zheng, paying attention to the changes on his face.
"They are just relatives who have passed away. It has been so long that I have almost forgotten them." He said lightly.
"Not everyone has forgotten. I wonder what the prince still remembers?"
Ge Zheng's thoughts were stirred up, and a sad look appeared on his face, "It's been almost ten years, what can I still remember? This person is gone, and we living people still have to live!"
Zuo Qing sighed slightly: "You still have to live, but it depends on how you live, whether you are afraid of hands and feet, or whether you are happy and happy. If you are afraid of hands and feet, it will inevitably make the enemy advance. It is better to live happily, maybe even
I can escape intact."
Ge Zheng's face suddenly turned cold. In the cold night, the light of those lanterns seemed to be dimmed. This change frightened Zuo Qing to kneel down in a hurry.
"Well, Zuo Qing, don't think that I don't know about it. You sent someone to assassinate Su Ming and used Su Yan to uncover the murder case. Now you want to use what happened ten years ago to force me to cooperate with you?!" Ge Zheng snorted coldly.
He said, "Not everyone is your pawn. Before you come here today, you should think carefully about whether you are going to escape with your life!"
Zuo Qing never expected that Ge Zheng would see his plan clearly. In this way, those masked men in green who saved them were really Su Ming's! Zuo Qing suddenly felt hope in his heart and hurriedly
Putting his forehead on the ground, he said from the bottom of his heart: "Since the prince knows everything, let me get straight to the point! I have been working hard for three years in my humble position, just to eradicate rebellion and support justice! Those people who ostensibly wanted to kill Su Ming were just brought by me.
The charlatan is purely to make you believe that Mo Fei wants to kill everyone, and he has never thought of killing anyone in his humble position!"
"But it's true that you used Su Yan, isn't it?"
Zuo Qing closed his eyes in annoyance, "Yes."
"Actually, you don't have to go to all the trouble to deceive Su Yan. Wouldn't it be easier to come to me directly?"
"I won't hide it from the prince, it's a humble position..."
"Because you don't believe me!" Ge Zheng smiled self-deprecatingly, "It has been ten years since the queen and the prince died, and I have never mentioned that matter. Maybe you think I am weak and timid, but you know,
There are more than a hundred members of the singer family, I cannot act rashly, my enemy is the emperor!"
The voice above his head was filled with sadness. Zuo Qing raised his head and looked at him with pity, unable to say any words of comfort.
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't want to take revenge. I'm just waiting for an opportunity, and then you show up. Do you know how long I've been happy? I've been waiting for you to come over!" Ge Zheng excitedly lifted him up, stroking his trembling hands.
Cheek, suddenly said, "It's so similar. If Brother Xuan knew you had grown so big, Jiuquanxia would be very happy!"
Zuo Qing backed away in horror. How did he know about this person in front of him? How did he know the secrets of the Xuan family? He had never mentioned his life experience to anyone. Why did he...
Zuo Qing felt cold in his limbs and his throat was dry. He wanted to run away, but he could only stand helplessly.
Ge Zheng finally suppressed his emotions and slowly explained to him: "Your father and I met on the battlefield. He rarely came to Rongguo. We only exchanged letters. At that time, I also said that if the two families had a baby,
If you have a child, we will arrange a baby marriage. Later, when the Xuan family was wiped out, I thought you were dead too, but three years ago you appeared next to Mo Fei, and when I looked at your face, it was like seeing him when he was young."
But Zuo Qing seemed to hear a bolt from the blue. He looked similar to his father, so did Mo Fei...
Ge Zheng stretched out his hand to hold his shoulders: "Mo Fei only joined the Secretariat in middle age. At that time, your father had already achieved great achievements and was several years older than Mo Fei. He only knew middle-aged Xuan Yuansheng.
And it’s just a one-on-one encounter.”
Zuo Qing finally let go of his worries, "Is it because of my appearance that the prince determined my identity?"
"Your appearance was just the source of my doubts. I sent people to follow up and investigate for the next three years before confirming your identity." Ge Zheng patted him and was sincerely happy, "Now it's better, we can be considered reunited!
"
Zuo Qing was filled with emotion: "I thought everything was under control, but it turned out that the prince had let something slip long ago, but I still thought I was right."
"In this Shura field, you can't trust anyone. Even the closest people around you can't reveal everything. It's not only for yourself but also for them. There are some things that we can just do."
"There is another person, you will be happy to know!" He looked at Ge Zheng with hopeful eyes, "Wei Zhen is not dead, he is Xilou!"
The lake was sparkling, the candlelight was swaying, and the night seemed to sink into silence.
In Ge Mansion, the study room in the backyard was quiet. Ge Zheng's face flickered in and out of light under the candlelight. The rattle on the table was already mottled and old. He held it in his hand, looked at it again and again, and shed tears.
It has been ten years, how wonderful it would be if you were still alive.
(Empress Yu died, and the abandoned wife of Minglou deleted it)